MAKING A COMMITMENT

Mark 14:32-40

by David Young                                                                                          Vol. XX, No. 2, February 2007

These are exciting days to be a part of what God is doing in His church. Not long ago I was at a state convention meeting where a pastor spoke on Jesus’ surprise in Mark 14:37-38 that the disciples could not even pray with Him for an hour. As this pastor concluded his message he asked us to raise our hands if we would commit to pray at least an hour a day. In every direction in that large auditorium hands were lifted as people committed themselves to pray as they had never prayed in their lives. Only eternity will show the full fruit of those commitments. But I am thrilled to be a part of what God is doing in these last days as people commit to earth-shaking prayer. This question of Jesus is touching many hearts in our day. “Can you pray for an hour?”

Can you pray an hour for a Problem?

I can worry for an hour. I can worry for days on end. Worry won’t solve the smallest problem. But when we pray God solves every problem we face. Do you believe that? Prayer is God’s substitute for worry. Paul urged the Philippian church, “Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Can you pray and hour for a Person?

Can you spend an hour on your knees for for someone you know and love? The question, “What would I say?” may come to your mind here. Begin answering that question by measuring the value of a soul. Can you imagine praying an hour for needs in the life of your child or grandchild? Can you see yourself considering the temptations and difficulties, hopes and opportunities that child will face? What might God want to do on the earth with the child you are praying for? Do you know people worth an hour of prayer?

Can you pray and hour for a Purpose?

Could you spend one hour seeking God’s purposes for your life? Would you pray an hour to be faithful to the purpose God will show you? Could you pray an hour a day for God to fulfill His holy purpose in your life?

If you have not tried, the devil will of course convince you that you cannot or should not try to spend a full hour with God in prayer. But that is not really the question of the hour. The question is, “Will you pray for an hour?” Will you make a commitment to set aside one hour to spend in prayer?